Hello.

I just bought a new computer because my old one is very unwell. The old machine came with a Windows XP disc, so I ordered the new machine without an OS, thinking that I could just use my existing copy.

It turns out that my copy of XP was OEM and cannot be installed onto my new machine.

I've now ordered a new copy of XP OEM, but it occurred to me that since the machine already has XP OEM on it, the new copy might not want to install.

Has anyone ever installed a copy of XP OEM over an existing install from a different disc? Should I format my hard drive first to be safe, or will I be ok just installing right over the top of the existing install?

Many thanks in advance,
Tolstoy

If the new computer has no Operating System what would you be installing over?

Did you move the old hard drive into the new computer?

I would suggest buying a retail XP (not OEM) but if you've already bought it...

Then to answer your question: a Clean Install would work best.

Here is a good guide as regards Microsoft XPs:

http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

OEMs may have their own different options.

Thanks for the response.

I wasn't clear. Sorry. I installed my old copy of XP onto the new machine, but I can't activate it. I have a new version of OEM on the way - had I known my existing version was OEM, I would have had a new one installed by the manufacturer. But I'm a noob.

I'll reformat before installing the new copy. Again, thanks for the advice.

Thanks for the thanks. Let us know if we can help further. Let us know how the new install goes.